KCSL Adoption Booklet

A Father’s Report
A father’s response to the Kansas Children’s Home Society
about his daughter
Historical Facts
Mr. D.F. Shirk, Topeka, Kansas.
Dear Sir:
eplying to your inquiry of October 22, I am glad to say that the little baby girl we
were privileged to get from your Society is now quite a young lady, having good
health, second year high school, teaches a class of little girls in the Junior Department
of the Methodist Sunday School, is department pianist, cooks very creditably, and sews,
embroiders, and is a natural artist. While I am writing she is at the piano using the Methodist
Hymnal. She is a natural leader among her age, in fact has always been so. Speaks
fluently in Epworth League addresses, and in fact a child who bears bundles of sunshine
to others. I only wish I could give her still greater possibilities. She is anticipating entering
the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, 1920. Is now carrying the University
course of music, specializing with piano.
We are living on an orange grove in Anaheim, with reasonably comfortable conditions
and very delightful country, in fact as to my opinion the one great and beautiful spot,
“Southern California.” Moved here from Manchester, Kansas September 1907, as yet
have no inclinations toward returning.
This mansion at 10th and Harrison in Topeka was purchased by
the Kansas Children’s Home Society in 1921. Children staying
temporarily in this “receiving home” would stroll across the street
to meet the Governor, who would present them with a shiny new
dime and wish them a bright future.
Children at the
“receiving home”
would hang their red
stockings and generous
members of the
community would fill
them for Christmas.
This was the very
beginning of KCSL’s
Red Stocking Breakfast
tradition.
Thanking you for the opportunity of report, I am, Very respectfully, S.R.C.
The1910s
Children in the
“receiving home”
participated in a “Toy
Orchestra,” which
was organized by the
Assistant Matron of
the home.
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